Hi my beauties!
This blog post is all about how your skin changes when you're traveling and what you can do to keep your skin healthy and happy while you're away from home. Whether you're embarking on an exciting vacation or traveling for work, taking care of your skin should always be a priority.
When you're on the move, one of the most crucial factors to consider is hydration and humidity. Your body’s water content and humidity levels can affect how sensitive your skin is to various products, even the ones you use daily. The health of your skin barrier, hydration levels, and immune response in the skin are all influenced by these factors. So, when you find yourself in a drier climate or at a higher elevation, your skin may become dehydrated and its barrier function more sensitive. This can lead to intolerance to active products like AHA's, BHA's, and retinols.
To combat this, there are a few things you can do. First, you can adjust the humidity in your hotel room by requesting a humidifier from where you’re staying. This will help keep your skin hydrated and healthy. Additionally, pay attention to your diet and hydration status. Consuming excessive amounts of gluten or dairy can affect your skin through your gut health. Try to stick to your normal diet as much as possible while still enjoying your vacation to avoid shocking your system in a new environment.
If you're using active skincare products such as vitamin A or acids, it's essential to bring them with you on your trip. It's best to maintain your skin's regular routine as much as possible. You can transfer your products into travel-sized containers to ensure you have everything you need on the go. However, be prepared to adapt your routine if necessary when you arrive at your destination. For instance, if your skin becomes drier and can't tolerate retinol in the new climate, it's important to have all your products with you to make the necessary adjustments.
When it comes to traveling, photo protection is paramount. Sunscreen should be your best friend (as it should be every day!). This is especially crucial when you're at a higher altitude, where you'll experience increased sun exposure compared to sea level. Remember to reapply your sunscreen every two hours, especially if you're in a tropical area and exposed to the sun frequently. Make sure to bring enough sunscreen to last your entire trip so you never run out. Set a timer on your phone as a reminder to reapply every two hours, even on cloudy days. Additionally, consider taking a supplement like Heliocare, known for its antioxidant properties and effectiveness in repairing DNA damage caused by sun exposure. While it doesn't replace external sunscreen, taking Heliocare daily can be very protective for your skin during your travels.
Let's dive into a personal experience. On my recent trip to Europe, I made sure to stay hydrated on the plane by purchasing three one-liter bottles of water. I also used my ECM Eye Serum and NMF Hydrator regularly throughout the flight. However, upon arriving in Greece, I noticed that my skin had become slightly dry and irritated due to using tretinoin a few days before traveling. Although my skin could usually tolerate it, the dry climate in Greece and from air travel made it challenging to use my vitamin C and retinol. My skin's barrier was slightly compromised, but once it reached equilibrium again, I could go back to my normal routine. Remember, hydration plays a significant role in maintaining a healthy barrier, so make sure to prioritize it when traveling.
Acne is another concern that can arise while traveling, especially in humid or tropical areas. Washing your face twice a day is essential, and in some instances, increasing it to three times a day might be beneficial to regulate sebum production. Additionally, incorporating exfoliation into your routine can help prevent breakouts. Exfoliating daily or every other day, depending on your skin's tolerance, helps remove sticky skin cells that can clog your pores. You can choose between mechanical or chemical exfoliation methods to achieve this.
It's important to know your skin and how it reacts to different factors so that you can be mindful of your routine while traveling. For example, if you have rosacea, pay attention to triggers like spicy foods, alcohol, and hot beverages that may cause flare-ups. Similarly, if you have melasma, be aware of sun exposure, heat on the skin, and remember to take your Heliocare supplement to keep it under control.
Finally, the most important tip I can give you is to stay consistent with your normal skincare regimen. It may require some effort and time, but it's worth it in the long run to keep your skin healthy and happy. Don't let the excitement of traveling make you forget the importance of taking care of your skin.
So, my beauties, as you embark on your next adventure, remember to prioritize hydration, adjust your skincare routine when needed, protect yourself from the sun, and be mindful of your unique skin needs. Your skin will thank you for it!
